As A Groundcover Or In Hanging Baskets: The Perennial That Looks Good Anywhere

It's not the easiest thing in the world to find groundcover that checks all the boxes: looks really pretty, is low maintenance, and won't take over your garden. Some options force you to make compromises. But when you pick the right groundcover, it can keep weeds at bay, fill gaps in your garden, and bring companionship for your perennials. Enter Kenilworth ivy (Cymbalaria muralis) — a dense groundcover that can carpet your garden in dainty flowers and cymbal-shaped leaves. It feels right at home, whether it's climbing walls or growing in a hanging basket. 

Kenilworth ivy works like a champ to wind through your landscape, from growing in thin soil to slipping between stones to forming vertical trails. Native to Asia and Europe, it's grown as an annual in cooler climates but prefers Mediterranean-like temperatures and flourishes in USDA Zones 5 to 8; be mindful, however, that it's considered invasive in a handful of states. Since this perennial doesn't handle hot climates, for the rest of the USDA zone, you're better off picking a groundcover variety that can. Honeybees adore its petite blooms in colors ranging from blue to purple, which can brighten the shadiest areas from May to September. One reason Kenilworth ivy makes great groundcover is that it spreads quickly, but it can be super easy to tame.

The truth is, Kenilworth ivy can look good anywhere you plant it around your space. However, if you want it to grow into its best perennial self, there are some things to keep in mind before you get started. 

When your plan is to design a lived-in garden, Kenilworth ivy has your back thanks to its untamed appearance. As ground cover, tuck it between rocks and in crevices to fill in those empty spaces. A major perk is its subtle wash of color and low profile. Kenilworth ivy measures about 3 inches and spans up to a foot and a half, so it doesn't dominate the rest of your garden. Since it only needs direct sunlight for part of the day, the perennial prefers to spend much of the time in shadier spots. So, if your space sees more sun than shade, there are plenty of other gorgeous ground covers that thrive in both. 

Kenilworth ivy should be planted in an area with low foot traffic, which makes it a contender for hanging baskets. The trailing plant brings an airy vibe to containers with a natural cascade along the sides rather than a dense, heavy curtain look thanks to its fine stems and small leaves. Kenilworth ivy is one of those low-maintenance plants that isn't demanding, so you can pretty much hang it up and let it do its thing. It needs occasional watering every two or three days when the weather doesn't take care of it for you. While there are other ground covers to plant in the shade, Kenilworth ivy brings a romantic, storybook-like aesthetic, making you only want to spend more time tiptoeing around your outdoor space, no matter where it grows.